Exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

A yoga exercise apparatus that is operable to reduce pressure on the crown of the head of the user as well as the wrist and hands during certain yoga body positions. The present invention includes a first member, second member and third member that are identically constructed with the first member having a larger diameter than the equal diameter of the second member and third member. The first member, second member and third member are annular in shape each having a central portion and an integrally formed outer ring. The central portion has an upper surface that is recessed within the outer ring. The bottom of the central portion includes a plurality of walls forming pockets that will function to releasably secure the present invention to a floor. The second member and third member are placed on opposing sides of the first member during use of the present invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to exercise apparatus, more specifically but not by way of limitation, an exercise apparatus configured for use during practice of yoga, wherein the apparatus of the present invention provides cushioning and impact reduction for parts of the user such as the head and the hands/wrist.

BACKGROUND

As is known in the art, yoga is a group of physical, mental and practices or disciplines that originated in ancient India, aimed at controlling and stilling the mind. There are a broad variety of the schools of yoga, practices, and goals. Yoga has traditional forms as well as modern methods and all types of yoga are practiced worldwide. The term “yoga” in the Western world often denotes a modern form of hatha yoga and a posture-based physical fitness, stress-relief and relaxation technique consisting largely of the asanas in contrast with traditional yoga, which focuses on meditation and release from worldly attachments.

Yoga was introduced by gurus from India, following the success of Vivekananda's adaptation of yoga without asanas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who introduced the Yoga Sutras to the western world. There are numerous types of positions that a user can execute when performing yoga. Poses such as warrior, child pose and many other are routinely engaged in by a user. There are some yoga body positions that require a user to place the crown of their head on the ground which can results in a great deal of pressure thereon. Despite routine use of yoga mats these types of positions can be uncomfortable for users. Additionally, these positions often result in increased pressure on the hands and wrist area.

Accordingly, there is a need for an exercise apparatus configured to assist a user during performance of some yoga positions wherein the apparatus of the present invention reduces the pressure on the crown of the head as well as the hand and wrist area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus configured for use during performance of yoga body positions wherein the present invention includes a first member, a second member and a third member.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a yoga exercise apparatus operable to reduce pressure on the crown of the head of a user wherein the first member, second member and third member are identically constructed.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus configured for use during performance of yoga body positions wherein the present invention includes a body having a central portion and an outer ring portion that are integrally formed.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a yoga exercise apparatus operable to reduce pressure on the crown of the head of a user wherein the body is manufactured from a impact reducing material such as but not limited to EVA foam.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus configured for use during performance of yoga body positions wherein the body includes a body that is constructed so as to releasably secure the body to the floor.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a yoga exercise apparatus operable to reduce pressure on the crown of the head of a user wherein the upper surface of the body is concaved inwards towards the central portion.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus configured for use during performance of yoga body positions wherein the outer ring has a arcuate outer wall and has a thickness that is greater than that of the central portion.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a yoga exercise apparatus operable to reduce pressure on the crown of the head of a user wherein in use the second member and third member are located on opposing sides of the first member.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the body of an exemplary embodiment of the first member; and

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the second member; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first member, second member and third member of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated an exercise apparatus 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

Referring in particular to Figures submitted as a part hereof, the exercise apparatus 100 includes a first member 10, second member 30 and third member 40. The third member 40 and second member 30 are identically constructed as that described herein for the first member 10. The second member 30 and third member 40 in a preferred embodiment are the same shape as the first member 10 having a diameter though that is less than that of the first member 10. The second member 30 and third member 40 are sized so as to accommodate a users hand thereon during performance of a headstand or similar yoga position. While the first member 10, second member 30 and third member 40 are illustrated herein as being annular in shape, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the first member 10, second member 30 and third member 40 could be provided in alternate shapes. Discussions hereinafter about the first member 10 should be understood to apply to the second member 30 and third member 40 in regards to the elements and construction thereof.

The first member 10 includes a body 11 that is annular in shape being manufactured from a material that is operable to reduce the pressure on the crown of a users head or the hands and wrist of the user. It should be understood within a preferred embodiment of the present invention that the body 11 is manufactured from a material such as but not limited to EVA foam. The body 11 includes a central portion 12 and an outer ring 13 that are integrally formed. The central portion 12 is recessed into the outer ring 13 and includes an upper surface 14 suitable in size to place a user's head thereon. The outer ring 13 has a thickness that is greater than that of the central portion 12. Outer ring 13 includes an outer wall 15 that is outwardly arcuate in shape forming a somewhat bulbous form of the outer ring 13. The outer ring 13 design as shown and described herein assist in providing stability of the body 11 during utilization thereof.

Referring in particular to FIG. 1 herein the bottom 17 of the body 11 is illustrated therein. The bottom 17 is designed within a honeycomb like structure having a plurality of walls 18 forming pockets 19. The pockets 19 will act similarly to a conventional suction cup ensuing the first member 10 being placed on the floor and pressure being exerted downward thereonto. The pockets 19 will release a small amount of trapped air and will releasably secure the body 11 in place utilizing a suction force. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the bottom 17 could be configured to have various quantities of pockets 19 in order to achieve the desired objective of releasably securing the body 11 in position so as to remain stable during utilization thereof. By way of example but not limitation, the bottom 17 could have as few as one pocket 19. While pockets 19 are desired in preferred embodiment, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that other keepers could be present on the bottom 17 in order to achieve the desired objective of releasably securing the body 11 to the floor on which the body 11 has been superposed. By way of example but not limitation, low profile suctions cups or other elements could be employed to achieve the desired functionality.

While the first member 10, second member 30 and third member 40 are provided and intended for simultaneous utilization, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that only the first member 10 could be provided and employed by a user during performance of yoga body positions or other exercises wherein the benefits of the first member 10 are provided to a user.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a first member, said first member having a body, said body including a central portion and an outer ring, said central portion and said outer ring being integrally formed, said outer ring configured to circumferentially surround said central portion, said central portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface of said central portion being lower than that of an upper surface of said outer ring; and at least one keeper, said at least one keeper being formed in said lower surface of said central portion, said at least one keeper operable to releasably secure the exercise apparatus to a floor.
 2. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the first member is manufactured from EVA foam.
 3. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 2, and further including a second member, said second member having an identical shape as said first member, said second member having a diameter that is less than that of said first member.
 4. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 3, and further including a third member, said third member having an identical shape as said first member, said third member having a diameter that is less than that of said first member.
 5. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein said first member, said second member and said third member are annular in shape.
 6. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein said second member and said third member are adjacent said first member on opposing sides thereof.
 7. An exercise apparatus configured to be utilized during performance of yoga body positions so as to reduce impact force on certain body parts wherein the exercise apparatus comprises: a first member, said first member having a body, said body of said first member being annular in shape, said body including a central portion and an outer ring, said central portion and said outer ring being integrally formed, said outer ring configured to circumferentially surround said central portion, said outer ring having an outer wall that is outwardly arcuate in shape forming a bulbous form to said outer ring, said central portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface of said central portion being lower than that of an upper surface of said outer ring, said lower surface of said central portion having a plurality of walls, said plurality of walls forming pockets wherein the pockets are configured to releasably secure said body to a floor; a second member, said second member having a body, said body of said second member being annular in shape, said body of said second member including a central portion and an outer ring, said central portion and said outer ring of said second member being integrally formed, said outer ring of said second member configured to circumferentially surround said central portion of said second member, said central portion of said second member having an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface of said central portion of said second member being lower than that of an upper surface of said outer ring of said second member, said lower surface of said central portion of said second member having a plurality of walls, said plurality of walls of said second member forming pockets wherein the pockets of said second member are configured to releasably secure said body of said second member to a floor; and a third member, said third member having a body, said body of said third member being annular in shape, said body of said third member including a central portion and an outer ring, said central portion and said outer ring of said third member being integrally formed, said outer ring of said third member configured to circumferentially surround said central portion of said third member, said central portion of said third member having an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface of said central portion of said third member being lower than that of an upper surface of said outer ring of said third member, said lower surface of said central portion of said third member having a plurality of walls, said plurality of walls of said third member forming pockets wherein the pockets of said third member are configured to releasably secure said body of said third member to a floor.
 8. The exercise apparatus configured to be utilized during performance of yoga body positions as recited in claim 7, wherein the first member, second member and third member are manufactured from EVA foam.
 9. The exercise apparatus configured to be utilized during performance of yoga body positions as recited in claim 8, wherein said second member and said third member have a diameter that is less than that of a diameter of said first member.
 10. The exercise apparatus configured to be utilized during performance of yoga body positions as recited in claim 9, wherein said second member and said third member are adjacent said first member on opposing sides thereof. 